[MLS] Chicago has taken another step to replenish its depleted forward corps by announcing the signing Uruguyan forward Gaston Puerari, who comes to MLS from Montevideo Wanderers in his native country.

Puerari, 25, and Calen Carr -- whose option for 2011 was picked up by the Fire -- are the most experienced forwards on the roster, from which Brian McBride (retired) and Collins John (released) have departed, and Nery Castillo has gone on loan. A slew of draft picks and trialists are battling for spots on the roster.

“GastOn is a talented, offensive player with the ability to make an impact for our club,” Fire technical director Frank Klopas said in a statement. “We are excited to bring in a player with quick feet, good passing skills and the ability to finish on goal.”

He scored five goals in 14 games for Wanderers of the Uruguayan First Division last fall and joins draft picks Jason Herrick, Davis Pauland Amani Walker (all unsigned), trialists Ashley McInnes and Fabian Burbano Castillo, and open-tryout winner Paraskevas Pantazopoulos -- who has played in the Greek lower divisions -- in the Fire’s preseason camp.